BA/MA Journalism Student Output

“We don’t want a day out, we want to go and win the cup.” Insists Carl McHugh

By Andrew Scott

MOTHERWELL captain Carl McHugh has set out a warning to Celtic that they will be facing a more determined Motherwell side in Sunday’s Betfred Cup final.

The Irishman believes that a change in mentality will mean that Motherwell will go into the game and be a real challenge for the hoops.

McHugh said: “”There’s been a complete change in the mindset and the gaffer has got to take credit for that with the players he has brought in and the mindset in general.

“Last year we would have been delighted to go to Aberdeen and nick a point. We went on Saturday and we were fully expecting to win the game. That’s a shift in the mindset and I think you have seen that in the results and the performances.”

Motherwell, who are fresh off a 2-0 win against Aberdeen have beaten the likes of Rangers, Aberdeen and Ross County in the run up to the final and insists that results like that aren’t a fluke.

“We’re not going there for a day out or to make up the numbers. We have worked really hard to get to this stage. We have played a lot of games in the cup going back to the group stages in July and came through tough games since.

“We don’t want a day out, we want to go and win the cup.”

Like every other Motherwell player, McHugh understands how much a piece of silverware would mean to Motherwell, with tales of the famous 1991 Scottish Cup win being driven into them by staff and fans.

But McHugh doesn’t let that worry him, or the fact that Celtic remain unbeaten domestically this season. He is keen to show that it is by no mistake that the Steelmen are in the final as well as to play with a no fear attitude at the national stadium.

“What we have done all season is focus on what we can control, and that’s the key aspects of our performance

“When we do what we are good at and play to our strengths, we have won a lot of games this season, and we will approach this game like we’ve done the other ones.

“It will be brilliant if we do it but all we are worrying about is the performance, and what we can do. There is no point worrying about the outcome of a game.”

The Steelmen and the bhoys will battle it out on Sunday with Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic looking to bounce back quickly after a 7-1 trouncing by PSG on Wednesday and claim what they hope will be the first of many trophies this season.